Gardeners who don't do one thing this month will face 'dead plants within weeks'

Gardeners have been warned about one crucial task they must undertake to prevent their plants from dying during the winter months. As colder weather approaches, it's the perfect time to start considering how to maintain your garden throughout the chilly season.

According to Gardeners World, there's an urgent step you need to take immediately to ensure your plants survive the winter. If your garden houses 'borderline hardy' plants like agapanthus, it's vital to shield them from the cold with 'a thick mulch of straw or garden compost'. Otherwise, they could perish within weeks.

For extra protection, consider adding a layer of gardener's fleece. November is also the prime month for planting tulip bulbs in pots and borders - just make sure to cover them with at least twice their depth of soil or compost.

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It's also advised to lift dahlia tubers after the first frost, clean them and store them in dry compost in a 'cool, frost-proof place'. If you're planning on planting bare-root hedging, roses, trees and shrubs, aim to complete all your planting before the weather 'turns really cold'.

The gardening experts also suggest removing faded sweet peas, morning glory, thunbergia, and other climbers from their vertical supports, reports the Mirror.

You can also choose to prune perennials that are 'looking tatty' and then apply mulch around them to keep them warm as the temperatures fall. If you have any alpine plants, it's also suggested that these be moved under cover to help shield them from the anticipated winter rain.